Monday, June 09, 2014

Confidence




 

Yesterday, world number one tennis player, Rafael Nadal won the French Open Singles tennis tournament for a record ninth time. He faced up to his ultimate opponent, Novak Djokovic, in the knowledge that he had lost to him on four consecutive occasions. Would this turn out to be the fifth? Novak, on the other hand, because of his success, may have been supremely confident, and especially so, after winning the first set. However, on losing the second set, he may not have been so confident, and when it came to playing the third, any confidence he had, may have been lost altogether, though he did not show it.

Confidence is built on knowledge, i.e., that which is known; for example, an army General going into battle with a vastly superior force, may be supremely confident of victory, but confidence does not always bring success. Where human endeavour is played out, there is always an element of doubt, for humans are fallible, and they know that the unexpected may intervene.

Right now, I am experiencing a loss of confidence regarding launching ‘Minnow’ and taking her for a sail – even a day sail. My lack of desire and my loss of confidence jointly conspire against giving it a go. A further analysis* of what is causing my lack of confidence and reasons for my lack of desire may help me work out a way of overcoming my reluctance.

1 John 5:14, 15 ‘Now this is the confidence we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.’

Links

Rafael Nadal v Novak Djokovic, French Open final 2014


Rafael Nadal's French Open record is nothing special, according to Spaniard's coach and uncle Toni
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2652947/Rafael-Nadals-French-Open-record-special-according-Spaniards-coach-uncle-Toni.html

*Objective Assessment - to Sail, or not to Sail

3 comments:

Steve-the-Wargamer said...

Bill - sometimes you can spend too long self analysing - I recognise this in myself - sometimes it's better just to get up and do whatever it is that's playing on your mind...

William Serjeant said...

Steve,

I think you are right. I have to get back on the horse. If I fall off again, I shall know it is for real.

Cheers,
Bill.

Steve-the-Wargamer said...

Well said, Bill... I have long known that I have a tendency to "over think" things... it's why I decided to take the plunge and buy a boat & go sailing in the first place - I knew it would take me outside of my comfort zone, and I recognise that sometimes that's a healthy thing.... :o)